The trial is a part of Liberty Global’s Network as a Service (NaaS) programme and shows GSMA’s Open Gateway in action
Telenet is using Nokia’s Network as Code platform to improve the operational efficiency and services offered at the Port of Antwerp, one of the world’s largest. Telenet is Liberty Global’s Belgian subsidiary.
The partnership is exploring new network use cases. Developers will use the APIs and software development kits (SDKs) on the developer portal of the Network as Code Platform to access network functionality and data.
This will enable developers to build applications they can sell to their own customers.
In a recent trial at the port, Telenet’s 5G Standalone network with slicing capabilities allowed ships’ captains to operate vessels more safely and efficiently. They used real-time data provided by the low latency network capabilities and zero-touch automation.
Proven performance
It proved the performance of dedicated network slices which are far less expensive than building a separate, dedicated communications infrastructure. Also, customers only pay for what they needand gain a granular level of control offering maximum flexibility.
The trial is a part of Liberty Global’s Network as a Service (NaaS) programme. It was conducted with Belgian partners Seafar NV, a shipping entity, and Imec, a research and innovation hub for nanoelectronics and digital technologies.
Nokia’s Network as Code Platform combined with Imec’s edge application middleware bridges the gap between the vessel’s real-time requirements and the 5G network. Both were integrated with Seafar’s Shore Control Centre to provide the specialised connectivity that is not available on commercial networks.
Dynamic geofencing
High-definition cameras and sensors onboard vessels combined with AI and machine learning algorithms formed dynamic geofences. They were deployed by IMEC to identify where situational awareness is most crucial.
As vessels approached areas that require increased situational awareness, network capacity was automatically prioritised to guarantee high-quality live video feeds. This allowed Seafar’s captains to manoeuvre vessels through the areas safely, without having to slow down or waste time during loading and unloading thereby improving efficiency and reducing fuel consumption.
It also enabled the Port to work across multiple vessels at the same time.
Open Gateway initiative
The partnership says it is a real-life implementation of the Open Gateway initiative, launched last year by the GSMA. NaaS technology helps create an ecosystem which integrates standardised CAMARA APIs on Imec’s applications for the effective and reliable use of network resources on demand.
Madalina Suceveanu, Managing Director Mobile & Cloud Technologies, at Liberty Global said,“This multi-faceted trial simultaneously leverages the power of 5G Standalone, cloud, edge computing and AI-driven computer vision applications. 5G-era networks are rich in capabilities that can now drive improvements to customer experiences for both enterprises and consumers in ways that were simply not possible just a few years ago.
“The framework we have developed in partnership with Nokia will give us the opportunity to access a large untapped market here, plus realize the development of even more use cases in many other sectors beyond shipping.”